With the arrival of summer, the fire element becomes dominant, generating heat both around us and within our bodies.
With rising temperatures and humidity, the stifling air in crowded cities, heavy traffic, and never-ending work all become factors that strain the balance between body and mind.
As the outside temperature rises, so does the temperature inside us. This creates pressure not only physically but also emotionally.
Symptoms related to excessive heat (Pitta increase) may appear during this period:
It's not just physical fever; it can also cause headaches, impatience, heartburn, diarrhea, skin rashes, and sometimes anger that can build up inside us if left unchecked…
Especially for those who spend long hours in the office and are under intense work pressure, an increase in Pitta can manifest itself on a mental level as well: excessive attention to detail, impatience, criticism, overwork to the point of burnout, and constant pressure to be productive.
The following suggestions will help you maintain your balance during this hot and sometimes oppressive season.
How can you prevent overheating in your body?
Stay cool. Ayurveda is often quite simple and intuitive.
Keep your body and mind cool. Eat cooling foods, not cold ones.
Avoid the sun, especially during midday hours.
Cool off in a pool or the sea. Go for a walk in the shade. Wear a hat.
Spend time under the moonlight.
Avoid alcohol and excessively spicy foods.
Small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference.
Symptoms may subside, and the development of illness and imbalances can be prevented. Balance can be restored.
And best of all: You can take responsibility for your own health and well-being.
Nutrition and Beverages
Certain food choices can help keep you cooler and more balanced.
Review the spices you use: Instead of spicy and pungent spices (chili peppers, garlic, cloves, hot salsa) , opt for cooling spices like cilantro, mint, dill, and fennel.
Be careful with your drinks. Staying cool doesn't mean consuming ice-cold beverages. Very cold food and drinks weaken the digestive fire (agni).
You can also enjoy refreshing herbal teas: peppermint, hibiscus, chamomile, fennel, lemon balm, and lavender.
Sweet and Bitter/Astringent Flavors
Choosing a diet that includes flavors that balance Pitta is a great way to soothe the fire element from the inside out .
White meats such as chicken and turkey, egg whites (excluding the yolks), and unsalted fish.
Exercise
Exercise during the cooler hours of the day. Opt for long walks, swimming, or rowing instead of overheating sports. Yoga and cooling breathing exercises are also very balancing during the summer months.
If you're doing a heat-inducing sport and don't want to give it up, shift your workout time to earlier or later in the day.
Clothes
Choose cool, refreshing colors like blue, white, turquoise, and green.
Avoid heat-retaining colors like red, orange, dark yellow, and black, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
Short Mindfulness Breaks Throughout the Day
Drinking one glass of coriander seed water a day can cool the body from the inside and ease digestion.
Spraying rose water on your face throughout the day can soothe both the mind and the skin.
Massage your feet with lavender oil for 2 minutes before bed to relax your body and ensure a restful sleep.
Incorporating three deep breaths plus a pause throughout the day allows your body to shift from alarm mode to relaxation mode.
These simple yet effective practices can help you maintain a feeling of coolness in your body and calmness in your mind throughout the day.
Other Helpful Tips
Avoid arguments and tense conversations . Such interactions increase tension in both body and mind.
Enhance your surroundings with refreshing aromas like sandalwood, lavender, jasmine, and rose . These essences soothe both body and mind. They can be used in a diffuser, bath, pillow spray, or as a natural body oil.
Remember, summer creates intensity not only outdoors but also within us. Ayurveda's seasonal recommendations can help you live a more harmonious and balanced life in the face of the hot and oppressive effects of summer.
Everyone's balance is unique. With these suggestions, listen to your body, observe, and take small steps forward by noticing what works for you.
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